USC WINS IF:

Steve Sarkisian wants to prove to USC fans he is more than a 5-4 conference coach. … The coaches recognize Juju Smith is the best receiver on the team and throw to him more than anyone else. … Sarkisian does not accuse Stanford of faking injuries. … Defensive tackle Leonard Williams plays at 75 percent of his normal self with a sprained ankle. … Kicker Andre Heidari does not get upset if he misses a field goal. … Freshmen like Adoree Jackson do not get first-road game jitters.

STANFORD WINS IF:

Coach David Shaw wants to keep his undisputed title as best coach in the Pac-12. … No Stanford players fake injuries. … Wide receiver Ty Montgomery scores a touchdown on special teams or in the Wildcat formation. … The Stanford band’s halftime show includes plenty of Josh Shaw references. … Quarterback Kevin Hogan remembers how poorly he played against USC last year. … The game comes down to kicker Jordan Williamson, who just became the Cardinal’s all-time leading scorer.

Join the Conversation

We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. Although we do not pre-screen comments, we reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions.

If you see comments that you find offensive, please use the “Flag as Inappropriate” feature by hovering over the right side of the post, and pulling down on the arrow that appears. Or, contact our editors by emailing moderator@scng.com.